Real Time Correlation of Parallel Charging Events

ABSTRACT

A method is implemented in a network ( 110 ) that provides a service to an end user, the network including a first client ( 115 - 1 ), a second client ( 115 -M) and a charging system ( 130 ). The method includes the first client ( 115 - 1 ) receiving ( 900 ) a service event ( 120 ) that is destined for an end user ( 105 ) and retrieving ( 915 ) a first logical clock value from memory, where the first logical clock value specifies a number of service events received at the second client ( 115 -M). The method further includes the first client ( 115 - 1 ) incrementing ( 920 ) a second logical clock value based on receipt of the service event ( 120 ) and constructing ( 920 ) a first time stamp parameter based on the first logical clock value and the second logical clock value. The method also includes the first client ( 115 - 1 ) sending ( 925 ) a charging request to a charging system, where the charging request includes the first time stamp parameter and where the charging request requests credit authorization associated with providing the service event M ( 120 ) to the end user ( 105 ). The service event may be associated with one of Multimedia messaging service (MMS) data, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling message, or a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) message received at the first client. In one exemplary embodiment, the first client includes a Gateway General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (GGSN) and the second client includes a MultiMedia Messaging Service Center (MMSC). In a second exemplary embodiment, the first client includes a GGSN and the second client comprises a Serving Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF). In a third exemplary embodiment, the first client includes a router and the second client includes a S-CSCF. In a further exemplary embodiment, the first client includes a S-CSCF and the second client includes an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem Application Server (IMS AS). In another exemplary embodiment, the first client includes a first IMS AS and the second client includes a second IMS AS. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first client includes a GGSN and the second client includes a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) portal.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Implementations described herein relate generally to distributedsystems, and more particularly, to correlating charging events in adistributed, networked environment.

BACKGROUND

“Credit control” may involve mechanisms that interact in real-time withaccounts associated with end users, and controls or monitors the chargesrelated to service usage associated with those end users' accounts. Forexample, credit control may involve checking whether credit is availablefor a given account, credit-reservation, deduction of credit from theend user account when service is completed and/or refunding of reservedcredit that is not used. Credit control has particular applicability inthe provision of network services, such as, for example, provision ofcellular “airtime” in a cellular radio network, provision of multimediadata in a wired or wireless network, etc. Credit control may beimplemented by a charging system that monitors and controls chargesrelated to service usage of end users and grants and or denies creditauthorizations to those end users, thus, enabling network servicedelivery to the end users.

One of the shortcomings of previous charging systems is their lack ofsupport for the real time correlation of parallel charging events.

One problem that typically can occur happens when an operator isawarding bonuses to a service based on usage of another. If the awardedbonus is given for a service currently in use, there is a race towardsthe charging system and there can be no guarantee that the bonus isawarded before the usage of the service or vice versa. One example ofthis problem is when the Gateway General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)Support Node (GGSN) of a WCDMA/GSM system is used to accumulate usage ofa data bearer and awarding bonuses to another service being carried bythis data bearer; e.g. a free MMS for every downloaded megabyte.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments described herein permit real-time correlation ofparallel charging events that may occur in a distributed system thatprovides one or more network services to end users based on creditcontrol principles. In exemplary implementations described herein, timestamp parameters may be maintained at the network clients and/or serviceelements involved in the delivery of a service(s) to end users. The timestamp parameters may be used by the charging system for ordering andcorrelating charging requests received from the network clients and/orthe service element associated with the delivery of the service(s). Foreach charging request received from a network client, the chargingsystem may compare the client's time stamp parameter clock, includedwith the charging request, to the charging system's own time stampparameter to determine if the happened before relation has beenpreserved. If the comparison indicates that this relation has beenpreserved with respect to the given charging request, the chargingsystem may apply credit control mechanisms to the charging request todetermine whether a credit authorization or denial should be issued tothe client for the end user to which the service is destined. If thecomparison indicates that this relation has not been preserved withrespect to the given charging request, the charging system may waituntil a parallel charging request(s) is received that satisfies thehappened before relation before applying credit control to thepreviously received charging request.

Use of time stamp parameters in the context of credit control as appliedto network services, as described herein, permits the ordering andcorrelation of the charging requests. For example, if a network operatoris awarding bonuses to a service used by one end user based on theservice usage of another end user, use of the time stamp parametersdescribed herein in the context of credit control ensures that the bonusis awarded to the end user prior to the usage of the service by theother end user. As another example, the Gateway General Packet RadioService (GPRS) Support Node (GGSN) of a WCDMA/GSM system may accumulateusage of a data bearer and award bonuses to another service beingcarried by this data bearer (e.g., a free Multimedia Messaging Service(MMS) for every downloaded megabyte).

According to one aspect, a method may be implemented in a network thatprovides a service to an end user, the network including a first client,a second client and a charging system. The method may include the firstclient receiving a first service event that is destined for a first enduser and retrieving a first logical clock value from memory, where thefirst logical clock value specifies a number of service events receivedat the second client. The method may further include the first clientincrementing a second logical clock value based on receipt of the firstservice event and constructing a first time stamp parameter based on thefirst logical clock value and the second logical clock value. The methodmay also include the first client sending a charging request to acharging system, where the charging request includes the first timestamp parameter and where the charging request requests creditauthorization associated with providing the first service event to thefirst end user.

According to a further aspect, a credit control device may include afirst memory to store a first time stamp parameter received in a firstcharging request from a first client, where the first time stampparameter relates to a number of service events received at the firstclient (115-1). The credit control device may further include a secondmemory to store a second time stamp parameter received in a secondcharging request from a second client, where the second time stampparameter relates to a number of service events received at the secondclient. The credit control device may also include a third memory tostore a third time stamp parameter maintained at the credit controldevice that relates to past time stamp parameters received from thefirst and second clients. The credit control device may additionallyinclude a credit control unit to compare the first time stamp parameterwith the third time stamp parameter, and send a service authorization ordenial message to the first client based on the comparison.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary system in which a network service(s)may be provided to one or more end users;

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary implementation of the system of FIG. 1Ain which one client includes a GGSN and another client includes aMultimedia Messaging Service Center (MMSC);

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary components of a device that may correspondto a client, a service element or a charging system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 illustrates a functional diagram of a client of FIG. 1A accordingto an exemplary implementation;

FIG. 4 illustrates a functional diagram of the charging system of FIG.1A according to an exemplary implementation;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary sequential diagram that depicts timestamp parameter messaging and charging request messaging associated withthe provision of a service to an end user via clients of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 6 illustrates the sequential reception of the charging requests ofFIG. 5 at the charging system, where a first charged service event isreceived at the charging system prior to a second charged service event;

FIG. 7 illustrates the sequential reception of the charging requests ofFIG. 5 at the charging system, where a second charged service event isreceived at the charging system prior to a first charged service event;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary sequential diagram in an exemplaryimplementation in which the service event includes the transmission ofMulti-Media Messaging Service (MMS) data to an end user.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are flowcharts of an exemplary process for managing atime stamp parameter at a client and for sending charging requests to acharging system based on the receipt of service events at the client;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for granting or denyingservice based on a determination if a happened-before-relation ispreserved with respect to time stamp parameters received from one ormore clients associated with a given service event;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which one of the clientsof FIG. 5 includes a GGSN and the other client includes a Serving CallSession Control Function (S-CSCF);

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which one of the clientsof FIG. 5 includes a router and the other client includes a S-CSCF;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which one of the clientsof FIG. 5 includes a S-CSCF and the other client includes an InternetProtocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem Application Server (IMS AS);

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which one of the clientsof FIG. 5 includes a first IMS AS and the other client includes a secondIMS AS; and

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which one of the clientsof FIG. 5 includes a GGSN and the other client includes a WirelessApplication Protocol (WAP) portal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the invention refers to theaccompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawingsmay identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detaileddescription does not limit the invention.

A distributed system typically includes a set of separate processes thatare spatially separated (e.g., at separate nodes) and which communicatewith one another by exchanging messages. A system can be considered tobe distributed if delay associated with message transmission is notnegligible when compared to the time between events in a single process.From an intuitive standpoint, an event A can be considered to havehappened before an event B, if event A happened at an earlier time thanevent B. This intuitive justification of whether event A happened beforeevent B is based on physical theories of time. However, in a distributedsystem, specifications must be given in terms of events observablewithin the system. Specifications based on physical time can beproblematic in that real clocks are not perfectly accurate and do notmaintain precise physical time. Therefore, in distributed systems, thehappened before relation may need to be defined without the use ofphysical clocks.

The happened before relation is a means of ordering events in adistributed system based on the causal relationship between any twoevents. The happened before relation may be formally defined as:

1) if events A and B occur on the same process, A happened before B ifthe occurrence of event A preceded the occurrence of event B;

2) if event A is the sending of a message by one process and event B isthe receipt of the same message by another process, then event Ahappened before event B;

3) for three events A, B and C, if A happened before B and B happenedbefore C, then A happened before C. Two distinct events A and B are saidto be concurrent if A did not happen before B and B did not happenbefore A.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary system 100 in which a networkservice(s) may be provided to one or more end users. As shown in FIG.1A, system 100 may include end users 105-1 through 105-N connected to anetwork 110. Network 110 may include clients 115-1 through 115-M thatact as intermediate devices for forwarding a service event 120associated with a network service to a service element 125, whichprovides the network service to end users 105-1 through 105-N. Each ofclients 115-1 through 115-M may include a credit-control client (e.g., aDiameter Credit control client as specified in IETF RFC 4006) thatinteracts with a credit-control server, such as, for example, chargingsystem 130. Each of clients 115-1 through 115-M may monitor usage of aservice grant according to instructions provided by charging system 130(e.g., the credit-control server). Service element 125 may include anetwork element or device that provides a network service to end users105-1 through 105-N. In some implementations, service element 125 and aclient (e.g., client 115-M) may be combined into a single networkelement or device and service element 125/client 115-M may act as acredit-control client. Examples of service element 125 may include anetwork access server (NAS), a SIP proxy server, and an Applicationserver, such as, for example, a messaging server, a content server,and/or a gaming server.

Charging system 130 may include a server entity that performscredit-control associated with one or more network services. Chargingsystem 130 may perform the credit-control before a service event isdelivered to one or more of end users 105-1 through 105-N.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a service event 120, intended for one or more ofend users 105-1 through 105-N, may be received by client 115-1. Client115-1 may forward service event 120 to client 115-M which, in turn, mayforward it to service element 125 for provision of the associatedservice to one or more of end users 105-1 through 105-N. In conjunctionwith the forwarding of service event 120, each of clients 115-1 through115-M may send a charging request (not shown) to charging system 130requesting authorization/denial of delivery of service event 120 to arespective one of end users 105-1 through 105-N. In response to eachcharging request, charging system 130 may send an authorization messagethat grants delivery of the service (e.g., delivery of a granted quota)to the respective end user or a denial message that denies delivery ofthe service to the respective end user based on performance ofcredit-control mechanisms.

Each of end users 105-1 through 105-N may include a cellularradiotelephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a PersonalCommunications Systems (PCS) terminal, a laptop computer, a desktopcomputer, a palmtop computer, or any other type of device or appliancethat includes a communication transceiver that permits the device tocommunicate with other devices. A PCS terminal may combine a cellularradiotelephone with data processing, facsimile and data communicationscapabilities. A PDA may include a radiotelephone, a pager, anInternet/intranet access device, a web browser, an organizer, calendarsand/or a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. A PCS or PDA mayinclude a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) User Agent (SIP UA) whichmay e used for SIP signaling in the Internet Protocol (IP) MultimediaSubsystem (IMS) domain.

Network 110 may include one or more networks of any type, including alocal area network (LAN); a wide area network (WAN); a metropolitan areanetwork (MAN); a telephone network, such as a Public Switched TelephoneNetwork PSTN or a Public Land Mobile Network PLMN; a satellite network;an intranet, the Internet; or a combination of networks. The PLMN(s) mayfurther include a packet-switched sub-network, such as, for example,General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Cellular Digital Packet Data(CDPD), a Mobile Internet Protocol (IP) network, or an IMS network.

It will be appreciated that the number of components illustrated in FIG.1A is exemplary. Other configurations with more, fewer, or a differentarrangement of components may be implemented. Moreover, in someembodiments, one or more components in FIG. 1A may perform one or moreof the tasks described as being performed by one or more othercomponents in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1B illustrates system 100 in an exemplary implementation in whichclient 115-1 includes a Gateway General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)Support Node (GGSN) and client 115-M includes a MMSC. In the exemplaryimplementation of FIG. 1B, MMSC 115-M combines the functionality ofclient 115-M and service element 125 of FIG. 1A, and the service event(i.e., service event 120 of FIG. 1A) includes Multi-Media Service (MMS)data that is being delivered to one or more of end users 105-1 through105-N. Upon receipt of MMS data 120, GGSN 115-1 may forward the data toMMSC 115-M for possible delivery to one or more of end users 105-1through 105-N. GGSN 115-1 additionally may send a charging request (notshown) to charging system 130 requesting authorization/denial ofdelivery of MMS data 120 to one or more of end users 105-1 through105-N. MMSC 115-M receives MMS data 120 from GGSN 115-1 and may alsosend a charging request (not shown) to charging system 130. Upon receiptof the authorization/denial from charging system 130, MMSC 115-M mayeither deliver, or not deliver, the MMS data 120 to one or more of endusers 105-1 through 105-N. FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram of a device200, which may correspond to one or more of clients 115-1 through 115-M,service element 125, and/or charging system 130, according to anexemplary implementation. As illustrated, device 200 may include a bus210, a processing unit 220, a main memory 230, a Read Only Memory (ROM)240, a storage device 250, an input device 260, an output device 270,and a communication interface 280. Bus 210 may include a path thatpermits communication among the elements of the client/server entity.

Processing unit 220 may include a conventional processor,microprocessor, or processing logic that may interpret and executeinstructions. Main memory 230 may include a random access memory (RAM)or another type of dynamic storage device that may store information andinstructions for execution by processor 220. ROM 240 may include aconventional ROM device or another type of static storage device thatmay store static information and instructions for use by processing unit220. Storage device 250 may include a magnetic and/or optical recordingmedium and its corresponding drive.

Input device 260 may include a conventional mechanism that permits anoperator to input information to the client/server entity, such as akeyboard, a mouse, a pen, voice recognition and/or biometric mechanisms,etc. Output device 270 may include a conventional mechanism that outputsinformation to the operator, including a display, a printer, a speaker,etc. Communication interface 280 may include any transceiver-likemechanism that enables the client/server entity to communicate withother devices and/or systems. For example, communication interface 280may include mechanisms for communicating with another device or systemvia a network, such as network 110.

Device 200 may perform certain operations or processes described herein.Device 200 may perform these operations in response to processing unit220 executing software instructions contained in a computer-readablemedium, such as memory 230, ROM 240, and/or storage device 250. Acomputer-readable medium may be defined as a physical or logical memorydevice. Each of main memory 230, ROM 240 and storage device 250 mayinclude computer-readable media. The magnetic and/or optical recordingmedia (e.g., readable CDs or DVDs) of storage device 250 may alsoinclude computer-readable media.

The software instructions may be read into memory 230 from anothercomputer-readable medium, such as storage device 250, or from anotherdevice via communication interface 280. The software instructionscontained in memory 230 may cause processing unit 220 to performoperations or processes described herein. Alternatively, hardwiredcircuitry may be used in place of or in combination with softwareinstructions to implement processes described herein. Thus,implementations described herein are not limited to any specificcombination of hardware circuitry and software.

FIG. 3 illustrates a functional diagram of client 115 according to anexemplary implementation. As shown, client 115 may include a controlunit 300, a logical clock unit 310, a time stamp parameter storage unit320 that includes memory to store a time stamp parameter clockassociated with client 115, and a time stamp parameter storage unit 330that includes memory to store time stamp parameters associated withother clients. At the detection of a service event at client 115,control unit 300 may retrieve a current logical clock value from logicalclock unit 310, append the logical clock value to logical clock valuesretrieved from time stamp parameters of other clients, and store theappended logical clock values as a time stamp parameter in time stampparameter clock storage unit 320. Control unit 300 may then, subsequentto receipt of the service event, send a charging request message 340 tocharging system 130 via, for example, network 110. Charging requestmessage 340 may include the current time stamp parameter value stored intime stamp parameter storage unit 320. Control unit 300 maysubsequently, in response to charging request 340, receive adenial/authorization message 350 from charging system 130 that permitsclient 115 to engage in the provision of the service to the end user(s).

FIG. 4 illustrates a functional diagram of charging system 130 accordingto an exemplary implementation. As shown, charging system 130 mayinclude a credit control unit 400, a time stamp parameter storage unit410 that stores a time stamp parameter associated with charging system130, and a time stamp parameter storage unit 420 that stores time stampparameters associated with clients 115-1 through 115-M. During creditcontrol (as described herein), charging system 130 may receive acharging request(s) 430 from one or more of clients 115-1 through 115-M.In response to receiving charging request(s) 430, credit control unit400 may compare charging system 130's time stamp parameter (i.e, storedin time stamp parameter storage unit 410) with the time stamp parameterincluded with the received charging request 430 to determine whether thereceived time stamp parameter indicates that thehappened-before-relation is preserved. If the happened-before-relationis preserved, credit control unit 400 may return an authorizationmessage 440 indicating credit authorization to the one or more clients115-1 to 115-M that sent charging request 430. However, if thehappened-before-relation is not preserved, credit control unit 400 maywait a period of time until a further charging request is received thatincludes a time stamp parameter that satisfies the happened beforerelation. Credit control unit 400 may then return an authorizationmessage 440 indicating credit authorization to the one or more clients115-1 through 115-M that sent charging request 430. Credit control unit400 may return the authorization message 440 further based on, forexample, credit information associated with an account(s) of the enduser(s) to whom the service event is being delivered.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary sequential diagram 500, which depictstime stamp parameter messaging and charging request messaging,associated with the provision of a service to an end user via clients115-1 and 115-M. In the sequential diagram of FIG. 5, a service event505 may be received at client 115-1. Upon receipt of service event 505,and a determination that service event 505 is a chargeable serviceevent, client 115-1 may increment its logical clock value from 0 to 1and update 510 its time stamp parameter from <0, 0> to <0, 1>.Client115-1 may then send a charging request 515, that includes the time stampparameter <0, 1>, to charging system 130. Client 115-1 may further sendthe time stamp parameter <0, 1> to client 115-M via a message 520.

Upon receipt of message 520, client 115-M may update 525 its time stampparameter from <0, 0> with the time stamp parameter received in message520 (e.g., time stamp parameter <0, 0> updated to <0, 1>). Once client115-M determines that service event 505 is a chargeable service event,client 115-M may increment its logical clock and update 530 its timestamp parameter from <0, 1> to <1, 1>. Client 115-M may then send acharging request 535, that includes the new, updated time stampparameter <1, 1>, to charging system 130.

FIG. 6 further illustrates the sequential reception of the chargingrequests of FIG. 5 at charging system 130, where a first charged serviceevent is received at charging system 130 (not shown) prior to a secondcharged service event. As shown in FIG. 6, a charging request 605 fromclient 115-1, having a time stamp parameter <0, 1> is received atcharging system 130 and stored as stored time stamp parameter value 610.A comparison may then be made between the stored time stamp parametervalue 610 and charging system 130's current, stored time stamp parametervalue 615 to determine if the happened-before relation is preserved.Since there is a difference of one between only one logical clock valueof the stored time stamp parameters 610 and 615, charging system 130 candetermine that the happened-before relation is preserved 620. Chargingsystem 130 may, therefore, update its time stamp parameter to correspondto the stored time stamp parameter 610 (e.g., <0, 0> to <0, 1>) andstore as an updated time stamp parameter 630.

Assume that another charging request 625, having a time stamp parameterclock <1, 1>, may subsequently be received from client 115-M and storedas time stamp parameter value 635. Charging system 130 may compare theclient's time stamp parameter value 635 with the charging system's timestamp parameter value 630 to determine if the happened-before relationis preserved. Since, again, there is a difference of one between onlyone logical clock value of the stored time stamp parameters 630 and 635,charging system 130 may determine that the happened-before relation ispreserved 640. Charging system 130 may update 645 its time stampparameter to correspond to the stored time stamp parameter 635 (e.g.,<0, 1> to <1, 1>). Charging system 130 may subsequently return anauthorization/denial message to clients 115-1 and 115-M.

FIG. 7 further illustrates the sequential reception of the chargingrequests of FIG. 5 at charging system 130, where a second chargedservice event is received at charging system 130 prior to a firstcharged service event. As shown in FIG. 7, a charging request 705 fromclient 115-M, having a time stamp parameter <1, 1>, may first bereceived at charging system 130 and stored as time stamp parameter value710. A comparison may then be made between the stored time stampparameter value 710 and charging system 130's current, stored time stampparameter value 715 (e.g., <0, 0>) to determine if the happened-beforerelation is preserved. Since there is a difference of one between twological clock values (e.g., more than one) of the stored time stampparameters 710 and 715, charging system 130 determines that thehappened-before relation is not preserved 720. Charging system 130 may,therefore, wait until a first charged service event is received atcharging system 130 from client 115-1. Subsequently, charging request725, having a time stamp parameter clock <0, 1>, may be received atcharging system 130 and stored as stored time stamp parameter value 730.A comparison may be made between the stored time stamp parameter value730 and charging system 130's current, stored time stamp parameter value715 to determine if the happened-before relation is preserved. Sincethere is a difference of one between only one logical clock value of thestored time stamp parameters 730 and 715, charging system 130 maydetermine that the happened-before relation is preserved 735. Chargingsystem 130 may, therefore, update its time stamp parameter to correspondto the stored time stamp parameter 730 (e.g., <0, 0> to <0, 1>) andstore as an updated time stamp parameter 740.

Charging system 130 may then compare the previously received, storedtime stamp parameter value 710 with its updated time stamp parametervalue 740. Since there is a difference of one between only one logicalclock value of the stored time stamp parameter 710 and 740, chargingsystem 130 may determine that the happened-before relation is nowpreserved 745. Charging system 130 may, therefore, update its time stampparameter to correspond to the stored time stamp parameter 710 (e.g.,<0, 1> to <1, 1>) and store as an updated time stamp parameter 750.Charging system 130 may, thus, determine an appropriate ordering ofevents despite the fact that time stamp parameter 710 was receivedbefore to time stamp parameter 730.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary sequential diagram 800, which depictstime stamp parameter messaging and charging request messaging,associated with the provision of a service to an end user via clients115-1 and 115-M. In the exemplary implementation of FIG. 8, the serviceevent includes the transmission of Multi-Media Messaging Service (MMS)data to an end user. In this exemplary implementation, client 115-1includes a GGSN and client 115-M includes a MMSC. In the sequentialdiagram shown in FIG. 8, MMS data 805 may be received at GGSN 115-1.Upon receipt of MMS data 805, and subsequent to a determination that MMSdata 805 is a chargeable service event, GGSN may increment its logicalclock value from 0 to 1 and update 810 its time stamp parameter from <0,0> to <0, 1>. GGSN 115-1 may then send a Diameter Credit-ControlApplication (DCCA) Credit-Control Request (CCR) (see “DiameterCredit-Control Application,” IETF RFC 4006) 815, that includes the timestamp parameter <0, 1>, to charging system 130. Client 115-1 may furthersend the time stamp parameter <0, 1> to client MMSC 115-M via a message820.

Upon receipt of message 820, MMSC 115-M updates 825 its time stampparameter from <0, 0> with the time stamp parameter received in message820 (e.g., time stamp parameter <0, 0> updated to <0, 1>). Once MMSC115-M determines that MMS data 805 is a chargeable service event, MMSC115-M further updates 830 its logical clock and time stamp parameterfrom <0, 1> to <1, 1>. MMSC 115-M may then send a DCCA CCR 835, thatincludes the time stamp parameter <1, 1>, to charging system 130.Charging system 130 may subsequently send authorization/denial messagesto GGSN 115-1 and MMSC 115-M based on the received time stamp parametersand based on credit control mechanisms applied to the destination enduser's account.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are flowcharts of an exemplary process for managing atime stamp parameter at a client 115 and for sending charging requeststo charging system 130, to request credit authorization, based on thereceipt of service events at client 115. The exemplary process of FIGS.9A and 9B may be implemented, for example, by the functional elements ofFIG. 3 of client 115.

The exemplary process may begin with the detection of the occurrence ofa service event (block 900) or the receipt of a forwarded time stampparameter, associated with a service event, from another client (block905). Client 115 may receive a service event intended for a destinationend user via network 110, or may receive a forwarded time stampparameter via network 110 from another client (e.g., client 115-M mayreceive a forwarded time stamp parameter from client 115-1 as depictedin FIG. 5). A determination may be made whether the received serviceevent is a chargeable event (block 910). Certain service events may, ormay not, constitute “chargeable” service events within the context ofcredit control. Client 115 may inspect the received service event toascertain whether it constitutes a chargeable service event.

A current time stamp parameter for client 115 may be retrieved (block915). For example, control unit 300 may retrieve the current time stampparameter value stored in storage unit 320. Client 115's own logicalclock value may be incremented and client 115's time stamp parameter maybe updated with the incremented logical clock value (block 920). Forexample, if the retrieved time stamp parameter is <0, 1>, then theclient's logical clock value may be incremented from 0 to 1, and thetime stamp parameter may be correspondingly updated from <0, 1> to <1,1>. A charging request message for the received service event, thatincludes client 115's current time stamp parameter, may be sent tocharging system 130 to request credit authorization (block 925). Controlunit 300 may send charging request 340 to charging system 130 vianetwork 110, where the charging request includes client 115's updatedtime stamp parameter. Client 115's current time stamp parameter may beforwarded to any additional client(s) associated with the service event(block 930). For example, client 115-1 may forward its updated timestamp parameter to client 115-M along with service event 520, as shownin FIG. 5.

An authorization or denial message may be received from charging system130 in response to sending of the charging request (block 935). Chargingsystem 130 may return the authorization or denial message via network110, as described further below with respect to FIG. 10. Client 115 may,or may not, execute the received service event based on theauthorization or denial message received from charging system 130 (block940).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for granting or denyingservice based on a determination if a happened-before relation ispreserved with respect to time stamp parameters received from one ormore clients associated with a given service event. The exemplaryprocess of FIG. 10 may, for example, be implemented by the functionalelements of FIG. 4 of charging system 130.

The exemplary process may begin with the receipt of a charging request,associated with a service event, from a client that includes theclient's time stamp parameter (block 1000). As shown in FIG. 4, creditcontrol unit 400 may receive a charging request 430 from a client 115,and may extract the client 115's time stamp parameter from the chargingrequest. A comparison may be made of the client's time stamp parameterwith charging system 130's time stamp parameter (block 1005). Creditcontrol unit 400 may compare each logical clock component of the client115's time stamp parameter with each corresponding component of chargingsystem 130's time stamp parameter. For example, if client 115's timestamp parameter is <1, 0> and charging system 130's time stamp parameteris <0, 1>, credit control unit 400 may compare the first logical clockvalues (e.g., 1 and 0) with one another and the second logical clockvalues (e.g., 0 and 1) with one another. A determination of whether ahappened-before relation is preserved may be made based on thecomparison of block 1005 (block 1010). A happened-before relation may beconsidered to be preserved if there is a difference of one between onlyone logical clock value of the compared time stamp parameter. Forexample, a comparison of the time stamp parameters <0, 1> and <1, 1>indicates that there is a difference of one between only the firstlogical clock value of both time stamp parameters and, thus, thehappened-before relation may be considered to be preserved. As anotherexample, a comparison of the time stamp parameters <0 , 0> and <1, 1>indicates that there is a difference of one between both logical clockvalues of the time stamp parameters and, thus, the happened-beforerelation may be considered to not be preserved.

If the happened-before relation is preserved (YES—block 1010), chargingsystem 130's time stamp parameter may be updated (block 1015). Chargingsystem 130's time stamp parameter may be updated to correspond to theclient's time stamp parameter. An authorization/denial message may bereturned to the client that sent the charging request (block 1025). Theauthorization/denial message may be based on credit control mechanismsand may authorize or deny delivery of the network service to thedestination end user based on the end user's credit.

If the happened-before relation is not preserved (NO—block 1010),charging system 130 may check its queue and wait until a chargingrequest associated with an earlier service event(s), as indicated by therequest's time stamp parameter, is received (block 1020). For example,credit control unit 400 may check storage unit 420, for a configurablewaiting period, to identify when the charging request associated withthe earlier service event(s) is received. An authorization or denialmessage may be returned to the client that sent the charging request(block 1030). The authorization/denial message may be based on creditcontrol mechanisms and may authorize or deny delivery of the networkservice to the destination end user based on the end user's credit.

FIGS. 11-15 depict additional exemplary embodiments in which clients115-1 through 115-M of FIG. 1A include different components than thosedescribed above with respect to FIG. 8. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 11, client 115-1 may include a GGSN and client 115-M may include aServing Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF). In the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 12, client 115-1 may include a router and client115-M may include a S-CSCF. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 13,client 115-1 may include a S-CSCF and client 115-M may include anInternet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem Application Server (IMS AS).In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 14, client 115-1 may include a firstIMS AS and client 115-M may include a second IMS AS. In the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 15, client 115-1 may include a GGSN and client 115-Mmay include a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) portal.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11, the service eventreceived at GGSN 115-1 may include a SIP signaling message 1105associated with multimedia communication session signaling. Upon receiptof SIP signaling message 1105, and subsequent to a determination thatSIP signaling message 1105 constitutes a chargeable service event, GGSN115-1 may increment its logical clock value from 0 to 1 and update 1110its time stamp parameter from <0, 0> to <0, 1>. GGSN 115-1 may then senda Diameter Credit-Control Application (DCCA) Credit-Control Request(CCR) 1115, that includes the time stamp parameter <0, 1>, to chargingsystem 130. GGSN 115-1 may further forward the SIP signaling message,with time stamp parameter <0, 1> included in a SIP header 1120, toS-CSCF 115-M.

Upon receipt of SIP header 1120, S-CSCF 115-M updates 1125 its timestamp parameter from <0, 0> with the time stamp parameter value receivedin SIP header 1120 (e.g., time stamp parameter <0, 0> updated to <0,1>). Once S-CSCF 115-M determines that SIP signaling message 1105constitutes a chargeable service event, S-CSCF 115-M updates 1130 itslogical clock and time stamp parameter from <0, 1> to <1, 1>. S-CSCF115-M may then send a DCCA CCR 1135, that includes the time stampparameter <1, 1>, to charging system 130. Charging system 130 maysubsequently send authorization/denial messages to GGSN 115-1 and S-CSCF115-M based on the received time stamp parameters and based on creditcontrol mechanisms applied to the destination end user's account.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, client 115-1 includes arouter and client 115-M includes a S-CSCF. In this exemplary embodiment,the service event received at router 115-1 may include a SIP signalingmessage 1205. Upon receipt of SIP signaling message 1205, and subsequentto a determination that SIP signaling message 1205 constitutes achargeable service event, router 115-1 may increment its logical clockvalue from 0 to 1 and update 1210 its time stamp parameter from <0, 0>to <0, 1>. Router 115-1 may then send a Common Open Policy Serviceprotocol (COPS) message 1215, that includes the time stamp parameter <0,1>, to charging system 130. Router 115-1 may forward the SIP signalingmessage with time stamp parameter <0, 1> included in a SIP header 1220to S-CSCF 115-M.

Upon receipt of SIP header 1220, S-CSCF 115-M updates 1225 its timestamp parameter from <0, 0> with the time stamp parameter value receivedin SIP header 1220 (e.g., time stamp parameter <0, 0> updated to <0,1>). Once S-CSCF 115-M determines that SIP signaling message 1205constitutes a chargeable service event, S-CSCF 115-M updates 1230 itslogical clock and time stamp parameter from <0, 1> to <1, 1>. S-CSCF115-M may then send a DCCA CCR 1235, that includes the time stampparameter <1, 1>, to charging system 130. Charging system 130 maysubsequently send authorization/denial messages to router 115-1 andS-CSCF 115-M based on the received time stamp parameters and based oncredit control mechanisms applied to the destination end user's account.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, client 115-1 mayinclude a S-CSCF and client 115-M may include an Internet Protocol (IP)Multimedia Subsystem Application Server (IMS AS). In this exemplaryembodiment, the service event received at S-CSCF 115-1 may include a SIPsignaling message 1305 associated with multimedia communication sessionsignaling. Upon receipt of SIP signaling message 1305, and subsequent toa determination that SIP message 1305 constitutes a chargeable serviceevent, S-CSCF 115-1 may increment its logical clock value from 0 to 1and update 1310 its time stamp parameter from <0, 0> to <0, 1>. S-CSCF115-1 may then send a Diameter Credit-Control Application (DCCA)Credit-Control Request (CCR) 1315, that includes the time stampparameter <0, 1>, to charging system 130. S-CSCF 115-1 may forward theSIP signaling message, with time stamp parameter <0, 1> included in aSIP header 1320, to IMS AS 115-M.

Upon receipt of SIP header 1320, IMS AS 115-M updates 1325 its timestamp parameter from <0, 0> with the time stamp parameter value receivedin SIP header 1320 (e.g., time stamp parameter <0, 0> updated to <0,1>). Once IMS AS 115-M determines that SIP signaling message 1305constitutes a chargeable service event, IMS AS 115-M updates 1330 itslogical clock and time stamp parameter from <0, 1> to <1, 1>. IMS AS115-M may then send a DCCA CCR 1335, that includes the time stampparameter <1, 1>, to charging system 130. Charging system 130 maysubsequently send authorization/denial messages to S-CSCF 115-1 and IMSAS 115-M based on the received time stamp parameters and based on creditcontrol mechanisms applied to the destination end user's account.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 14, client 115-1 mayinclude a first IMS AS and client 115-M may include a second IMS AS. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the service event received at IMS AS 115-1may include a SIP signaling message 1405 associated with multimediacommunication session signaling. Upon receipt of SIP signaling message1405, and subsequent to a determination that SIP signaling message 1405constitutes a chargeable service event, IMS AS 115-1 may increment itslogical clock value from 0 to 1 and update 1410 its time stamp parameter<0, 0> to <0, 1>. IMS AS 115-1 may then send a Diameter Credit-ControlApplication (DCCA) Credit-Control Request (CCR) 1415, that includes thetime stamp parameter <0, 1>, to charging system 130. IMS AS may furtherforward the SIP signaling message, with time stamp parameter <0, 1>included in a SIP header 1420, to IMS AS 115-M.

Upon receipt of SIP header 1420, IMS AS 115-M updates 1425 its timestamp parameter from <0, 0> with the time stamp parameter value receivedin SIP header 1420 (e.g., time stamp parameter <0, 0> updated to <0,1>). Once IMS AS 115-M determines that SIP signaling message 1405constitutes a chargeable service event, IMS AS 115-M updates 1430 itslogical clock and time stamp parameter from <0, 1> to <1, 1>. IMS AS115-M may then send a DCCA CCR 1435, that includes the time stampparameter <1, 1>, to charging system 130. Charging system 130 maysubsequently send authorization/denial messages to IMS AS 115-1 and IMSAS 115-M based on the received time stamp parameters and based on creditcontrol mechanisms applied to the destination end user's account.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 15, client 115-1 mayinclude a GGSN and client 115-M may include a WAP portal. In thisexemplary embodiment, the service event received at GGSN 115-1 mayinclude a HTTP message 1505. Upon receipt of HTTP message 1505, andsubsequent to a determination that HTTP message constitutes a chargeableservice event, GGSN 115-1 may increment its logical clock value from 0to 1 and update 1510 its time stamp parameter from <0, 0> to <0, 1>.GGSN 115-1 may then send a Diameter Credit-Control Application (DCCA)Credit-Control Request (CCR) 1515, that includes the time stampparameter <0, 1>, to charging system 130. Alternatively, GGSN 115-1 maysend a Parlay X message, that includes the time stamp parameter <0, 1>,to charging system 130. GGSN 115-1 may forward the HTTP message, withtime stamp parameter <0, 1> included in a HTTP header 1520, to WAPportal 115-M.

Upon receipt of HTTP header 1520, WAP portal 115-M updates 1525 its timestamp parameter from <0, 0> with the time stamp parameter value receivedin HTTP header 1520 (e.g., time stamp parameter <0, 0> updated to <0,1>). Once WAP portal 115-M determines that HTTP message 1505 constitutesa chargeable service event, WAP portal 115-M updates 1530 its logicalclock and time stamp parameter from <0, 1> to <1, 1>. WAP portal 115-Mmay then send a DCCA CCR 1535, that includes the time stamp parameter<1, 1>, to charging system 130. Alternatively, WAP Portal 115-M may senda Parlay X message, that includes the time stamp parameter <1, 1>, tocharging system 130. Charging system 130 may subsequently sendauthorization/denial messages to GGSN 115-1 and WAP portal 115-M basedon the received time stamp parameters and based on credit controlmechanisms applied to the destination end user's account.

The foregoing description of implementations provides illustration anddescription, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variationsare possible in light of the above teachings, or may be acquired frompractice of the invention. For example, while series of blocks have beendescribed with regard to FIGS. 9A, 9B and 10, the order of the blocksmay be modified in other implementations consistent with the principlesof the invention. Further, non-dependent blocks may be performed inparallel. In some implementations, fault tolerance may be added to theexemplary processes of FIGS. 9A and 9B and 10. For example, a “timeout”may need to be added when charging system 130 is waiting for a serviceevent that has happened before. If the charging event that chargingsystem 130 is waiting for doesn't appear within a certain, configurableperiod of time (e.g., 500 ms to 4 seconds), the charging events incharging system 130's queue, and subsequent charging events associatedwith the given service event, may be rejected by charging system 130.Clients 115-1 through 115-M may also need to handle rejections fromcharging system 130 (e.g., stop ongoing service delivery).Implementations described herein are not limited to correlating eventsfor a single end user, but can also be used between several users aslong as the service handling clients 115-1 through 115-M keep their timestamp parameters accordingly. For example, implementations describedherein may be applied to two or more end users using the systemconcurrently that are sharing an account for bonuses.

Aspects of the invention may also be implemented in methods and/orcomputer program products. Accordingly, the invention may be embodied inhardware and/or in hardware/software (including firmware, residentsoftware, microcode, etc.). Furthermore, the invention may take the formof a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readablestorage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program codeembodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instructionexecution system. The actual software code or specialized controlhardware used to implement embodiments described herein is not limitingof the invention. Thus, the operation and behavior of the aspects weredescribed without reference to the specific software code—it beingunderstood that one would be able to design software and controlhardware to implement the aspects based on the description herein.

Furthermore, certain portions of the invention may be implemented as“logic” that performs one or more functions. This logic may includehardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array or a combination of hardware and software.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in theclaims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are notintended to limit the invention. In fact, many of these features may becombined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosedin the specification.

It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when usedin this specification is taken to specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, steps, components or groups but does not precludethe presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,components or groups thereof.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application shouldbe construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitlydescribed as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended toinclude one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term“one” or similar language is used. Further, the phrase “based on” isintended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly statedotherwise.

1. A method implemented in a network that provides a service to an enduser, the network including a first client, a second client and acharging system, the method comprising the first client: receiving afirst service event that is destined for a first end user; retrieving afirst logical clock value from memory, where the first logical clockvalue specifies a number of service events received at the secondclient; incrementing a second logical clock value based on receipt ofthe first service event; constructing a first time stamp parameter basedon the first logical clock value and the second logical clock value; andsending a charging request to a charging system, where the chargingrequest includes the first time stamp parameter and where the chargingrequest requests credit authorization associated with providing thefirst service event to the first end user.
 2. The method of claim 1,where the first service event is associated with a network serviceintended for delivery to the first end user.
 3. The method of claim 2,further comprising the first client: receiving a second service eventthat is destined for a second end user; and correlating the first andsecond service events between the first end user and the second enduser.
 4. The method of claim 3, where the first end user and the secondend user share an account.
 5. The method of claim 1, where the serviceevent is associated with one of Multimedia messaging service (MMS) data,a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling message, or a HypertextTransfer Protocol (HTTP) message received at the first client.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, where the first client comprises a Gateway GeneralPacket Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (GGSN) and the second clientcomprises a Multimedia Messaging Service Center (MMSC).
 7. The method ofclaim 1, where the first client comprises a Gateway General Packet RadioService (GPRS) Support Node (GGSN) and the second client comprises aServing Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF).
 8. The method of claim1, where the first client comprises a router and the second clientcomprises a Serving Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF).
 9. Themethod of claim 1, where the first client comprises a Serving CallSession Control Function (S-CSCF) and the second client comprises anInternet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem Application Server (IMS AS).10. The method of claim 1, where the first client comprises a firstInternet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem Application Server (IMS AS)and the second client comprises a second IMS AS.
 11. The method of claim1, where the first client comprises a Gateway General Packet RadioService (GPRS) Support Node (GGSN) and where the second client comprisesa Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) portal.
 12. The method of claim 1,further comprising the first client: receiving a message associated withauthorizing or denying the service event from the charging system inresponse to sending the charging request.
 13. The method of claim 1,further comprising the first client: sending the first time stampparameter to the second client.
 14. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the charging system: receiving the charging request from thefirst client; comparing the first time stamp parameter included with thecharging request with a second time stamp parameter maintained at thecharging system; and determining, based on the comparison, whether thecharging request has been received out of sequence relative to othercharging requests associated with other clients.
 15. The method of claim14, further comprising the charging system: sending a message to thefirst client that grants or denies provision of the service event to theend user.
 16. A credit control device, comprising: a first memory tostore a first time stamp parameter received in a first charging requestfrom a first client, where the first time stamp parameter relates to anumber of service events received at the first client; a second memoryto store a second time stamp parameter received in a second chargingrequest from a second client, where the second time stamp parameterrelates to a number of service events received at the second client; athird memory to store a third time stamp parameter maintained at thecredit control device that relates to past time stamp parametersreceived from the first and second clients; and a credit control unitto: compare the first time stamp parameter with the third time stampparameter, and send a service authorization or denial message to thefirst client based on the comparison.
 17. The credit control device ofclaim 16, where the credit control unit is further configured to: updatethe third time stamp parameter, based on the comparison, such that thethird time stamp parameter corresponds to the first time stampparameter.
 18. The credit control device of claim 16, where the creditcontrol unit is further configured to: compare the second time stampparameter with the third time stamp parameter, and send a serviceauthorization or denial message to the second client based on thecomparison.
 19. The credit control device of claim 18, where the creditcontrol unit is further configured to: update the third time stampparameter, based on the comparison of the second time stamp parameterwith the third time stamp parameter, such that the third time stampparameter corresponds to the second time stamp parameter.
 20. The creditcontrol device of claim 16, where the service events are associated withone of Multimedia messaging service (MMS) data, a Session InitiationProtocol (SIP) signaling message, or a Hypertext Transfer Protocol(HTTP) message received at the first client.
 21. The credit controldevice of claim 16, where the first client comprises a Gateway GeneralPacket Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (GGSN), the second clientcomprises a MultiMedia Messaging Service Center (MMSC) and the serviceevents involve Multimedia messaging service (MMS) data.
 22. The creditcontrol device of claim 16, where the first client comprises a GatewayGeneral Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (GGSN), the secondclient comprises a Serving Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF) andthe service events involve Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signalingmessages.
 23. The credit control device of claim 16, where the firstclient comprises a router, the second client comprises a Serving CallSession Control Function (S-CSCF), and the service events involveSession Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling messages.
 24. The creditcontrol device of claim 16, where the first client comprises a ServingCall Session Control Function (S-CSCF), the second client comprises anInternet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem Application Server (IMS AS),and the service events involve Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)signaling messages.
 25. The credit control device of claim 16, where thefirst client comprises a first Internet Protocol (IP) MultimediaSubsystem Application Server (IMS AS), the second client comprises asecond IMS AS and the service events involve Session Initiation Protocol(SIP) signaling messages.
 26. The credit control device of claim 16,where the first client comprises a Gateway General Packet Radio Service(GPRS) Support Node (GGSN), the second client comprises a WirelessApplication Protocol (WAP) portal, and the service events involveHypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) messages.